California Construction News staff writer
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has been awarded $231 million from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) to fund the Southeast Gateway Line, a new light rail project designed to improve transit access in southeast Los Angeles County.
The funding comes through a competitive grant process as part of Cycle 7, which will help Metro bring a transit alternative to 2 million residents in the region.
The 14.5-mile Southeast Gateway Line will run from the Slauson/A Line (Blue Line) Station in Los Angeles to the City of Artesia, passing through several cities, including Bell, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Huntington Park, and South Gate. The line will include nine new stations and a southern terminus at Pioneer Station in Artesia, with a new station at the I-105 freeway connecting to the C Line.
“This is exactly what we needed to make this project a reality,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I’m grateful to Governor Newsom and his team for recognizing the importance of the Southeast Gateway Line, which will provide much-needed transportation options to residents in this growing area.”
The Southeast Gateway Line will serve a region with high population and job densities. Currently home to over 600,000 jobs, the area is expected to see that number increase to more than 700,000 by 2042. Nearly half the population lives below the poverty line, and 18% of households do not own a car. The area also includes several Environmental Justice communities with significant minority populations, including Hispanic/Latino residents, who make up 51% of the area’s population.
“This is a huge win for Southeast LA, and it shows how much Metro and the state are committed to expanding transit in areas that need it most,” said Metro Board First Vice Chair Fernando Dutra. “This project will provide better access to jobs and services for many residents who rely on public transit.”
Once completed, the Southeast Gateway Line will connect to the Metro C Line (Green), A Line (Blue), and other regional transit routes, offering new alternatives to driving. The project will also improve access to important destinations, including jobs, medical facilities, and educational institutions.
“Thanks to Governor Newsom’s support and the leadership of CalSTA Secretary Omishakin, we are one step closer to giving Southeast LA residents a world-class transit system,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “For too long, this area has been disconnected from the Metro rail system, but this funding will change that.”
The $231 million grant will help accelerate construction of the Southeast Gateway Line, part of Metro’s ongoing efforts to expand its transit network and provide residents with more transportation options.
